AMSA is proud to announce the formation of a Mentor Recognition fund in honor of Dr. Chris Calkins.  Dr. Calkins is an icon in the meat industry, having established himself as an expert in the field over the past 40 years at the University of Nebraska, where he recently served as the Endowed Chair - Nebraska Beef Cattle Professor of Animal Science.  His impact on students is far reaching having advised 43 M.S. and 15 Ph.D. students, many of which are current leaders in the meat industry and other important parts of animal agriculture.  His tireless work in the meat science research field has garnered over $6.5 million in grants, resulting in 129 refereed journals articles, over 270 abstracts, 186 station bulletins and 10 book chapters.  Chris has also served the industry through numerous leadership roles as AMSA President and serving on numerous AMSA and other industry related committees.

This mentorship will reflect Chris’s passion for the early career, professional AMSA members and is an ideal way to give back to an effort where he has contributed a great deal of his time.  He has requested that proceeds from the fund be used toward the professional development and recognition of young meat scientist professionals.  Giving to this mentorship will have a wonderful impact on not only the future of the meat industry but also the young professionals who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Continuing the Legacy

Dr. Calkins would like to focus the mentorship in the area of new, innovative efforts for early career development of young, professional AMSA members.  This could include financial support for individual professional development, scholarships, scientific exchange programs, travel, and training as described through an application process.  The intent is to expand support for career development programs beyond existing efforts for new AMSA professional members.